Multi-Color 3D Printing Explained: AMS vs CANVAS vs SnapSwap

There isn't one way to print in multiple colors. Our catalog carries three different approaches — here's how they actually differ.

AMS / AMS Lite (Bambu Lab) — filament swapping

Bambu Lab's AMS system feeds from multiple spools into a single toolhead, swapping filament as needed during the print. It's the most mature of the three systems here, available as a combo bundle on the A1 mini, A1, A2L and P2S. Trade-off: filament swapping wastes some purge material between color changes.

CANVAS (Elegoo) — up to 4 filaments

The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 uses Elegoo's CANVAS system, also supporting up to 4 filaments feeding a single toolhead, paired with a 350°C hot end so color-capable prints aren't limited to PLA.

SnapSwap (Snapmaker) — independent toolheads instead of swapping

The Snapmaker U1 takes a different approach entirely: 4 independent print heads via its SnapSwap system, rather than one toolhead switching between filaments. This cuts down on the purge waste that filament-swap systems produce, at the cost of a larger, more complex machine.

Flashforge Creator 5 Pro — 4 independent toolheads, engineering-grade

Similarly, the Flashforge Creator 5 Pro uses 4 independent toolheads, paired with a heated enclosure and 320°C hot end — built for multi-color prints in tougher, more heat-resistant materials rather than just PLA.

Which one should you get?

• Just want to try multi-color on a budget: an AMS Lite combo on the A1 mini or A1.
• Want less filament waste and don't mind a bigger machine: Snapmaker U1 or Flashforge Creator 5 Pro.
• Need multi-color plus tougher engineering materials: Flashforge Creator 5 Pro or Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2.

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